How long do I have to file a mesothelioma claim in West Virginia or Pennsylvania?

You generally have two years from the date of diagnosis or death. Exceptions may apply based on when the exposure was discovered. Don’t delay — timing is critical.

Can I sue if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago?

Yes. Many clients were exposed in the 1960s, 70s, or 80s and are just now being diagnosed. We regularly handle cases where the company responsible is no longer in business.

Can I file a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one?

Yes. Family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for mesothelioma or asbestos-related illness.

Are there lawsuits involving social media harming children?

Yes. We are currently handling claims where platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook contributed to serious mental health harm, including self-harm and addiction.

Take-Home Asbestos Cases

Take-Home Asbestos Cases – Exposure & Mesothelioma: What Families in PA & WV Need to Know

Asbestos doesn’t just harm workers on the job site. For decades, family members have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases after being exposed to toxic dust brought home on clothing, boots, tools, and even car seats.

If you were exposed to asbestos because someone in your household worked in construction, steel, power plants, or manufacturing, you may have a legal claim.

📃 Who Is at Risk for Take-Home Asbestos Exposure?

Spouses and partners who did laundry or handled work clothing
Children who hugged or sat with a parent after work
Family members who cleaned boots or vehicles used on the job
Anyone sharing a household with a high-risk worker

🚧 Common Job Sites Linked to Take-Home Exposure in PA, WV & OH

Pennsylvania

U.S. Steel Edgar Thompson Works (Braddock)
U.S. Steel Irvin Works (West Mifflin)
U.S. Steel Duquesne Works
U.S. Steel Homestead Works
Bruce Mansfield Power Station
Jones & Laughlin Steel (Pittsburgh)
J&L Steel Aliquippa

See our full guide on Pennsylvania mesothelioma claims.

West Virginia

Weirton Steel
DuPont Washington Works
Union Carbide (South Charleston)
Union Carbide (Sistersville)
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
PPG Chemical Plant (Natrium)
Mount Storm Power Station
Mitchell Power Station
Kammer Power Station
John Amos Power Station
Pleasants Power Station
Willow Island Power Station
Local chemical plants and refineries
Power plants throughout the Ohio Valley

Ohio

🛠️ Union Trades Most Affected by Asbestos Exposure

Workers in the following trades often unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home:

Pipefitters
Boilermakers
Carpenters
Welders
Steamfitters
Insulators
Millwrights
Glass plant workers
Auto mechanics

These union trades were frequently exposed to asbestos in insulation, gaskets, joint compounds, boilers, and other industrial materials.

❓ How Does Take-Home Asbestos Exposure Happen?

Workers unknowingly carried asbestos fibers home in:

Work uniforms and jackets
Boots and tool bags
Hair and skin
Car upholstery and air vents

Even brief or indirect contact with asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma decades later.

⚖️ Can You File a Mesothelioma Claim for Secondhand Exposure?

Yes. Courts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia recognize that take-home exposure can cause mesothelioma, and victims have successfully filed lawsuits against manufacturers and employers who failed to warn workers or provide protective measures.

You don’t need to know the exact moment of exposure. We can help investigate work history, job sites, and product liability.

💸 Compensation May Cover:

Medical bills and treatment
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship
Funeral expenses
Loss of income or household support

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Take-Home Asbestos Exposure

What is a take-home asbestos exposure?
A Take-home asbestos case exposure occurs when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, boots, hair, or tools, unintentionally exposing family members to harmful dust that can lead to diseases like mesothelioma.

Can I file a take-home asbestos case if I was exposed through a family member?
Yes. Courts in Pennsylvania and West Virginia allow lawsuits from individuals who developed mesothelioma due to secondhand asbestos exposure. Spouses and children are often the most affected.

What job sites are linked to secondhand asbestos exposure in PA and WV?
Sites like U.S. Steel Edgar Thompson, Irvin Works, Duquesne Works, Weirton Steel, Union Carbide (South Charleston and Sistersville), DuPont Washington Works, and several regional power plants have been linked to asbestos exposure that affected workers and their families.

How long after exposure can mesothelioma appear?
Mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. Even brief or indirect contact with asbestos decades ago may still lead to a valid claim today.

What compensation is available for take-home asbestos exposure victims?
Victims may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, pain and suffering, lost household income, funeral expenses, and more. Claims may be filed through asbestos trust funds or lawsuits against liable companies.

✉️ Start with a Free Consultation

If you believe you or a loved one developed mesothelioma due to take-home asbestos exposure, call (412) 781-0525 or email info@leewdavis.com to get help.

You may have a case — even if the exposure occurred decades ago.

Michael Schumacher

22:42 02 May 23

Lee was an excellent representative of the legal profession. I have had other lawyers in the past and they did not respond to emails or return phone calls. Mr Davis was very attentive and responded to all calls and emails.Mr Davis was a tremendous help for my situation. I was a defendant in a frivolous lawsuit. Lee was well prepared for our hearing and listened to my side of the lawsuit and represented me to the point he won the case for me.I highly recommend Lee Davis for any legal issue you may have. He will be a tremendous asset to you!!!

Vicki Ann Korinko

23:47 13 Mar 23

If I could give 100 stars I would. When you need to contact an attorney you most likely are in a storm you never expected you would be in. From the first conversation I had with Lee I knew I would be in great hands; his professionalism is stellar. Mr. Davis let me speak and put my mind at ease that what I was dealing with was not right. Lee was empathetic through all the emotions that go along with a legal case. Lee was compassionate and knowledgeable and worked hard during the legal process to make sure I was up-to-date with the current standing of my case along with being available to communicate in a speedy time period even if it was just to say, "I will call back as soon as possible." Lee fought hard for me and I was impressed by his knowledge, strategy skills, his honesty and the education he provided as the case proceeded to the next phase and what I should expect. I highly recommend Mr. Davis!

Jack Sharbaugh

22:34 21 Jan 19

Lee is an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated attorney. A friend recommended Lee to my wife and me. He is very personable and made us feel at ease. He handled our business most professionally and with an obvious focus on our needs and best interest. We highly recommend him.

Kelly Ziencik

00:59 17 Jan 19

Lee Davis is an outstanding lawyer and a truly wonderful person! His experience, knowledge, and professionalism are unparalleled. I wouldn’t put my rights into the hands of any other lawyer. He is straightforward and gets results. I can’t say enough good things about him.

Daniel Jeffreys

19:52 10 Dec 18

I met Lee Davis several years ago. I had the privilege of witnessing his professionalism in a number of courtroom settings. Not only did he conduct himself with confidence and eloquence, he was thoroughly prepared to go up against multiple defendants of major corporations. He did his homework and did not settle for mediocrity, and won. Since then, I have called upon him whenever I needed legal advice, even when it seemed like I could have gone to some internet application and done it myself. There is nothing simplistic about the law and I thoroughly trust Lee to handle any legal situation. When it comes to legal matters, I have full confidence in Lee.

Steve Craig

00:58 07 Dec 18

Lee Davis exceeded our expectations in every way. He poured his heart and soul into our case. Everything he did showed his commitment to professionalism and the highest standards of jurisprudence. Lee was relentless in his pursuit of justice for our family. He was not content to settle for the lowball offers from just a few defendants. We had multiple defendants and Lee worked to maximize our settlement with each of them. Lee has my highest recommendation.